Adventure Game Studio

This is an entry to the May, 2009 MAGS competition.  I took some time off from working on Murran Chronicles #3 to do this light hearted investigative drama/sci-fi/comedy mixture, and really enjoyed it.

STORY :


You are James McManus, a loner.  You receive an invitation from a mysterious Mr. Danger to come and compete in a competition against other 'special people' to inherit his millions of dollars.  Not one to pass up that much money, you head to his secluded mansion.  Once there, things quickly turn deadly, and you must not only be the winner of the competition, but you must also try to figure out who is killing the competition before they do away with you.


INFO:

Mr. Danger's Contest is in 640x400 resolution (natively 320x200, but my fonts look better in the larger resolution).

And yes, all those awesome sound effects and all the music were all made by me and my trusty PC microphone :)


CLICK TO DOWNLOAD
(http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=download&game=1166)
 

SCREENSHOTS:

(http://www.billandnicole.net/games/danger/ss1.png)
(http://www.billandnicole.net/games/danger/ss2.png)
(http://www.billandnicole.net/games/danger/ss3.png)

Looking good. Playing now, telling later.
And now back to MC3, enough delay already!!!  ;)

Awesome Leon, I hope you enjoy it :)

I am getting back to Murran Chronicles 3 tomorrow.  I wanted to take the rest of the day off :)

-Bill

Playing it now.  Brilliant wee game.   :D

I like all the humming and do-do-di-di and verbal 'creaks' etc.  Makes it just a bit different.   :)

Glad you got it :)  I wanted to make it a bit different.  Something out of the ordinary as far as music is concerned.  I tried to make it as un-irritating as possible, but some of the rooms music could potentially grate on you if you listen to it for long periods of time :)  The little drumbeat one in the subterraneous areas for instance.  I went "tss tss" into my microphone and then made it loop. :)

-Bill

This looks really good!!

Thanks Dual :)

Also, just so people know, there are 2 completely different endings, and one of the endings has 2 branches differentiating how to go about getting the ending.

-Bill

Small bug?

Spoiler

After the girl was been murdered, I went to the game room talking to the teleport guy. I was able to ask about the threatening note I should have found on my bed. But I was just before that in my bed room and there was no note yet on my bed. After the conversation I went upstears and then I did found the note.

[close]

Still enjoying the game right now, bit of Agatha Christie story style, well done so far!

Ack!  Thanks Arjon.  I forgot to disable that initially available dialog option in the editor :(

I will change it up today and get a new version online.  Completely slipped my mind somehow..

Thanks for the comments!  I tried to make it something different, but I somehow get pulled toward the style of the Murran Chronicles (detective type story, sci-fi supernatural type stuff, etc, etc).  Ah well.  I'm a one trick pony :)

-Bill

another small bug:

Spoiler

After using the action "use" on the one-red-button-remote-control within the inventory and then exiting the inventory, the normal action options won't work anymore (like "use" on  door to open the door). Only after cycling through the options with right-moue-button or selecting an option from the top bar, the action will work again...

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3th small bug:

Spoiler

the "walk behind" isn't properly set with the Mona Lisa painting. I'm able to walk behind it. I noticed this after I found the note in the black box in the "paint room", don't know if it is possible to walk behind it in an earlier moment in the game (when having the code to the attic of course) although I do thing so...

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Ack!  Thanks for the heads up.

I am resolving them all now and will put an updated version online.

Thanks,

Bill

Solved it within 2.5 hours, though I had to reload once because

Spoiler

I made the wrong decision at the end (the "whodunit" part), so you managed to let me make the wrong decision based on clues and dialogs during the game, nice

[close]

One thing I didn't really understand ???:

Spoiler

The note from the black box tells me to go back to the computer room and cue up the video file to find out where Mr. Danger hides. I never managed to cue up that video file. Without that I still found Mr. Danger and managed to finish the game with 200 points??

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Another thing in this game that adds even a bit more mystery-atmosphere to the whole story (in my opinion) is:

Spoiler

Darn, what's behind that Pantry door which I was never been able to open... ::)

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Really enjoyed this game, congrats on your mags entry Bill!!! 8)

So people:

Alrighty!  Version 1.1 is now online and ready to be downloaded.  It fixes the following bugs:

Fixed walkbehind misplacement with Mona Lisa painting.
Fixed walkbehind on staircase to attic so legs don't show through steps.
Fixed dialog option errors about threatening note.  It now shows up only after note is found.
Fixed problem when using the remote control. Icon cycling in order to do anything no longer needed.

Thanks Arj0n!

---

Quote from: [ Arj0n ] on Wed 27/05/2009 14:18:00
Solved it within 2.5 hours, though I had to reload once because

Spoiler

I made the wrong decision at the end (the "whodunit" part), so you managed to let me make the wrong decision based on clues and dialogs during the game, nice

[close]

Yes I did :)  As I mentioned, there are multiple endings, a good (correct) one and a bad (incorrect) one.  Someone was framing someone, apparently.  Hehe.   There are two ways to finish the game with the good ending.  You get full points doing the solo way, but if you get someone to help you with the bad guy, you can get a different ending sequence, but still get the good ending.

SPOILER:

Spoiler

Use the metal bar or the hinges on the butler at the end to select him at the bad guy, then once he becomes the tentacle-man and begins choking you, DONT use your special powers to stop him.  Instead, use the kitchen knife to chop his arm off.  This will make Randy help you out.  You don't get full points, but its a more 'friendly' ending as you guys basically become friends..

[close]

Quote from: [ Arj0n ] on Wed 27/05/2009 14:18:00
One thing I didn't really understand ???:

Spoiler

The note from the black box tells me to go back to the computer room and cue up the video file to find out where Mr. Danger hides. I never managed to cue up that video file. Without that I still found Mr. Danger and managed to finish the game with 200 points??

[close]

Yes, you did it right.  It was supposed to be the next step..

SPOILER:

Spoiler

If you look at the one monitor in the computer room when you find Mike's body on the desk, you will see that someone wiped the video feeds and prepped the hard drives for formatting after they killed him.  If a certain someone didn't kidnap Mr. Danger and hold him bound and gagged in the hidden room, you would have used the video feed to see where he was in order to win the competition (in his room, as per the narration during the ending sequence).  But someone sabotaged it.  You just happen to hear him mumbling from behind the painting on the way down the stairs after the attic.  So you get full points because you saved him from a certain death! :)

[close]

Quote from: [ Arj0n ] on Wed 27/05/2009 14:18:00
Another thing in this game that adds even a bit more mystery-atmosphere to the whole story (in my opinion) is:

Spoiler

Darn, what's behind that Pantry door which I was never been able to open... ::)

[close]

Hahah, maybe I will add something back there after the ending sequence in the future.  Maybe something silly, or something crazy, or who knows :)

Quote from: [ Arj0n ] on Wed 27/05/2009 14:18:00

Really enjoyed this game, congrats on your mags entry Bill!!! 8)

So people:

I recommend you download & solve this "sci-fi supernatural whodunit detective thriller", you'll definitely enjoy it!!

Thanks much!  I am glad you liked it!

-Bill

This was fun. I enjoyed playing it and loved the "soundtrack." Thanks Bill!

Glad you liked it :)

I didn't know how people would react to the soundtrack being me making noises into my microphone, but it seems to be decently well recieved.

-Bill

Thanks to everyone for putting this on the top 5 downloaded games of last week list!  200+ downloads in 2 days isn't bad :)

I will buy you all a pepsi.

-Bill

Got stuck for a while, but I finished it now.   ;D

Wonderful game.  I like how you can use his power to help you get past some of the puzzles.   :D

I saved it in the hidden room, then restored it, so I could see all 3 endings.   ;)

One of my favourite sound effects is

Spoiler

Mike's body in the computer room... bleeding.  DRIP!   ;D

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I really hope you make more games in this style.. i.e. using this kind of sound effects\music.   ;D

Glad you like it Frodo :)

I have to admit that one of my favorites is the same blood sound effect too.  It almost sounds like a real drip effect, but then your brain steps in saying, "Wait..  What was that?" :)

Thanks again!

Bill

I must admit, I suspted that

Spoiler

the butler was behind it all

[close]

But I was surprised when

Spoiler

he turned into tentacle monster, and starting strangling me   ;)

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Haha, yep.  That was the strange markings on the bodies which turn up throughout the game:

Spoiler

Tentacle suction-cup markings

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-Bill

First of all you should really get a pat on the back for making some good puzzles which everyone can solve. This was going to be my first decent game that I finished without a walkthrough if only I thought of

Spoiler

double clicking the book rack

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. That was the only time I needed help.  Ok here are my suggestions and comments for your game.

1. Overall the game is brilliant  ;) I loved the background where you show the mansion. The animations, backgrounds, sprites and music were all great
2. I would have preffered if you used

Spoiler

power instead of use in the inventory menu as that puzzle took me a long time to solve just for that reason. I was thinking of putting the fork in the microwave oven to bend it lol.

[close]

3. In terms of story I would have loved if you had an ending like this

Spoiler

when Randy displaces Butler, Butler goes into Randy's body. So as soon as Randy dissapears he gives an evil laugh or something. You know what I mean  a double twist where Butler is not dead he has possessed Randy.

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Well done on producing such a great a game. I really enjoyed it. Hope you make more like this   ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

Well,
Since so many ags peops seems to like this great game
why not (when finished the game) make your  >vote here< (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=1166)

Thanks for the advice Sameera.  I might put those in as alternatives in a future update.

:)

-Bill

Just finished the game. Amazing, how you managed to make such great graphics and animations in just one month. When I heard the music at the beginning I thought "what the f***", but then I got used to it and think it is great.

Spoiler

I love the drip sound too  ;D

[close]

I also did like that

Spoiler

you first read about color mixing in the library and then you have to do it yourself

[close]

One thing I think was a bit disturbing is that

Spoiler

you are not allowed to enter the cells until you need to build a bridge. Also, it would have been logical to use the hovering tablet from the cellar also on the gap

[close]

Overall, a great game, good suspense, good puzzles and a unique soundtrack.

Quote from: cat on Sun 31/05/2009 20:23:07
Just finished the game. Amazing, how you managed to make such great graphics and animations in just one month. When I heard the music at the beginning I thought "what the f***", but then I got used to it and think it is great.

Heh, my wife refused to play it.  She got out of the cell, saw Mike leave the area, and turned it off.  She said hearing me around the house making random and assanine noises is quite enough for her.

Quote from: cat on Sun 31/05/2009 20:23:07
I also did like that

Spoiler

you first read about color mixing in the library and then you have to do it yourself

[close]

Yes, I wanted it to not be random.  I wanted something to point you in the right direction up there.

Quote from: cat on Sun 31/05/2009 20:23:07
One thing I think was a bit disturbing is that

Spoiler

you are not allowed to enter the cells until you need to build a bridge. Also, it would have been logical to use the hovering tablet from the cellar also on the gap

[close]

I decided to keep em locked until needed, but at the same time, I said something about it being off limits for now, implying it would be open later.

As to the tablet, I wanted the player to have to do a separate puzzle.  Just reusing something for the same purpose would have been too easy. :)

Quote from: cat on Sun 31/05/2009 20:23:07
Overall, a great game, good suspense, good puzzles and a unique soundtrack.

I am really glad you liked it!

Thanks!

Bill

Quote from: [ Arj0n ] on Sun 31/05/2009 12:31:21
Well,
Since so many ags peops seems to like this great game
why not (when finished the game) make your  >vote here< (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=1166)

Sure  ;)

Quote from: poc301 on Sun 31/05/2009 16:10:13
Thanks for the advice Sameera.  I might put those in as alternatives in a future update.

:)

-Bill

Thanks. Looking forward to it  :)

Just finished it, and another fine adventure by poc301.. hehe..
looking forward to murran 3..
thanx for the game ;)

Quote from: SuperDre on Mon 01/06/2009 19:57:20
Just finished it, and another fine adventure by poc301.. hehe..
looking forward to murran 3..
thanx for the game ;)

Glad that you enjoyed it :)   Murran 3 is under way, stay tuned!

-Bill

I just saw the game broke the 1000 downloads mark.

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who played it, and those spreading it around by word of mouth (or word of email).

I owe a LOT of people a pepsi now..

-Bill

Congrats again, this time with the Mr. Danger counter!
Running out of Pepsi already? ;)

Let's wait and see where Mr. Danger will be in the "Most
popular last week:" table when that one is refreshed...
Will Mr. danger pass from fourth to the third place?

(b.t.w: also the Player rating of Mr. Danger went from 71% to 75%, so
it seems that you have also beaten the MC1 ratings with Mr. Danger)

...and now back to work on MC3 :P

I really liked this game.  It was a lot of fun. 

BTW: It's Chris from work.

-Chris

Thanks Chris...  Though why you felt the need to post it here, then TELL me about it, I don't know.

Chris sits at the desk across the room from me.  I told him to download the game and I guess he posted here instead of speaking to me directly...  :)

Quote from: [ Arj0n ] on Tue 02/06/2009 17:13:15
Congrats again, this time with the Mr. Danger counter!
Running out of Pepsi already? ;)

Let's wait and see where Mr. Danger will be in the "Most
popular last week:" table when that one is refreshed...
Will Mr. danger pass from fourth to the third place?

(b.t.w: also the Player rating of Mr. Danger went from 71% to 75%, so
it seems that you have also beaten the MC1 ratings with Mr. Danger)

...and now back to work on MC3 :P

Thanks Arj0n :)

It looks to be approaching 1400 downloads, so hopefully with any luck, a few more days will put it to the #1 slot (Fingers Crossed).  Beating out A Tale of Two Kingdoms will be an incredible feat.  That game is amazing.

The ratings are up past the 80% mark, which is astounding to me.  I had no idea it would be this well received.  It was a quirky little thing I put together :)

MC3 will have an update soon in the Games in Production thread.  I have a bunch more screenshots, and a new character artist who signed on board and is redoing all the character sprites and speaking portrait animations (LocutusofBored).

It's exciting! :)

-Bill





**EDIT**  Chris was going to post a reply to this but I yelled at him for it.  No need to post useless messages :(

I just saw that this made the most downloaded game of last week's #1 spot.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to play this thing :)  My e-mail box has been filling up over the past several days.  It's a weird feeling to have so many people playing a game you create.

I gotta say I really do love the AGS community here. 

-Bill

I thought it was impossible but you did it.
You've beaten "a tale of two kingdoms" from it's 1st place...
Amazing...

Nice game, I enjoyed it, thanks! I liked the original idea for the music and sound effects. Cool story and locations.

Well I didn't expect this game to be as good as it was. It took me a bit longer to figure out which I really loved. The graphics were wicked and the story was really great. I loved the 2 different endings. Lucky me, I picked the right one the first time, then I went back just to see what the other one was. You did a very excellent job on this game my friend!